United States President Donald Trump is expected to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on Monday night.
On Saturday evening, the New York Knicks, who are up 2-0 on the San Antonio Spurs in the series, released a statement in preparation for Trump’s attendance. The team is encouraging fans to arrive at least two hours before tip-off. The Knicks also said spectators should expect enhanced security measures.
“As we move closer to Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday night, Madison Square Garden and the United States Secret Service want to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all ticket holders by sharing important security procedures that will be in place,” the statement reads.
“A strict no-bag policy will be in effect, and fans should make every effort to limit personal items to an absolute minimum. Fans should expect enhanced security measures when entering Madison Square Garden, including TSA_style screening procedures.”
Here’s the complete statement:
Game 3 is slated for a 7:30 p.m. ET start. That means, per the Knicks’ guidance, fans should plan to arrive at the latest by 5:30 p.m. ET “to allow additional time for screening and entry.”
On Thursday, Trump confirmed he’d be attending an NBA Finals game at MSG. He’d be the first sitting U.S. president to go to an NBA Finals game. The last sitting U.S. president to attend any NBA game was Barack Obama in 2025, according to The Athletic.
“I’ve been a Knick fan for a long time, and I’m also a Jim Dolan fan,” Trump said Thursday, referring to Knicks owner James Dolan. “He’s a nice guy, OK? He spent a long time wanting to win, and he’s a competitive guy, and he’s got a team that’s amazing. …”
After discussing New York’s Game 1 comeback and effusing about Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, Trump said Dolan invited him to attend an NBA Finals game and that he is going.
Trump was then asked which game he’d be at. He said Game 3 was a possibility but joked he could show up at Game 4 as well.
“It could be Monday … maybe I’ll do both,” he said.
This story is being updated.
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